Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $1,670/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Matthews sits at 173.8 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
27 upvotes
3 Replies
Emmett Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Sunset) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Eva
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Houston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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